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Centrum’s Mission, Vision & Values

This is Centrum – Port Townsend, WA. Do not miss Voice Works this week!!!

Mission

Centrum’s mission is to promote creative experiences that change lives.

Through inter-generational immersive workshops, we bring together aspiring and master artists to foster creativity, find and provide mentorship, and build community. Our public performances are the culmination and celebration of our workshops and programs, where we welcome audiences to share in those creative experiences.

Vision

Centrum’s vision is of a future where creative artists and learners of all ages and backgrounds connect through direct and shared artistic experiences.

Values

Centrum is committed to providing outstanding service and experiences to our participants, faculty, audiences, volunteers, supporters, and community.

We believe that:

Creative experiences have the power to change lives

Traditional art forms, and the cultural context in which they were formed and continue to evolve, are essential keys to our nation’s multicultural heritage and future

Creative artists and writers thrive in partnership and alliance with others

A close connection with our community helps us better serve all of our audiences, partners, and neighbors

There is value in providing an environment for lifelong learning for people of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of their level of expertise or professional aspirations

We are so fortunate to have a non profit organization like Centrum right here in Port Townsend. Located at Fort Worden State Park. Make sure you check out all that Centrum has to offer. Many different Festivals for your enjoyment, Jazz, Blues, Fiddle Tunes and Voice Works are only part of what Centrum has to offer. Check out their web site to see all the events and talent they bring to Port Townsend.

For those interested in wooden boats or just spending time outside on our beautiful waterfront, the Classic Mariners’ Regatta is taking place in Port Townsend June 6th-8th. Hosted by the Maritime Center/Wooden Boat Foundation and the Port Townsend Sailing Association. This event is for wooden boats and will be wonderful to watch from a higher vantage point, just ask the innkeepers where to go. Also, be sure to check out the NW Maritime Center and browse through The Chandlery to pick up a nautical souvenir.

When travelling to Port Townsend it is easy to be overwhelmed by restaurant choices. For Japanese food my pick is Ichikawa. My personal favorites are the daily Bento box or Chef’s choice combos (always good and allows me to try something new). There are options for the no-raw-fish eaters as well, their tempura udon is very good. You don’t have to take my word for it, check out the reviews on Yelp or Tripadvisor. They are located downtown, across from the Port Townsend Ferry Dock. This is a smaller establishment and can get very busy on the weekends, I recommend making a reservation. If you are with a group of 8 or more, reserving the Tatami room is fun and a little more private.

We welcome not only an extended weekend but the unofficial start to summer. The weather has been wonderful lately and will hopefully hold out through Monday. Regardless of what Mother Nature decides to throw our way us Washingtonians won’t let a little rain spoil our good time. There is the Shrimp Fest going on in Brinnon, WA the 24th & 25th. If you are looking for live music stop by the Quimper Grange to hear Portland’s New Iberians play Zydeco, Blues, Soul, & New Orleans Rock’n’Roll; you can even join in a dance lesson. Getting hungry? The 1st Annual Port Townsend Artisan Food Festival sounds delicious and interesting!

Looking for a Valentine’s Day gift? Surprise that special someone with a weekend getaway to Port Townsend. Jewelry is nice but why not give them an experience they will remember forever? I would suggest a nice bottle of wine from The Wine Seller, chocolates from Elevated Ice Cream and some beautiful fresh flowers from Petals in Uptown Port Townsend. Treat them to a romantic dinner at one of the delicious local restaurants and there is no going wrong.

With a little under two weeks until Labor Day weekend it is a great time to get over to Port Townsend to enjoy the last of the summer weather. The dahlias are blooming and just strolling through the Uptown neighborhood can offer some lovely views of water, gardens and Victorian homes. The weather this time of year is perfect for a weekend getaway… so why not plan one?

Aldrich’s Market first opened in 1895 and after a couple of fires that completely destroyed the store it has gotten its most recent facelift in 2005. The store holds an interesting mix of everyday staples and necessities alongside local cheeses (Mt. Townsend Creamery) and fresh baked goods (Pastry Design by Anca). This is an excellent place to swing by whether you need a loaf of bread or want to pick up lunch from their deli. They stock over 700 wines from around the world and on weekdays will make you the best sushi roll, right in front of you. I always seem to find something unique and yummy when I stop by.

If you come to Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula one of the activities you have to partake in is whale watching. Puget Sound Express has been operating for 27 years and leaves from Point Hudson. They have a few different tours to choose from. They have a 98% whale watching success rate and even have a guarantee on that 2% chance you don’t see any whales. In my opinion the boat trip through the area would be worth the money, but throw in guaranteed whale sightings and I am sold. If that hasn’t convinced you, check out Puget Sound Express on facebook and TripAdvisor as well.

Kick back with a cold one at Sirens. Opening at noon everyday, they have a fairly extensive bar and many brews on tap. With the best mixed drinks in town (try a Mai Tai or Mojito) and a deck overlooking the water it can’t be beat. While the décor may not be to everyone’s taste the food is definitely delicious, my favorites are the Texas Jalapeno Poppers and Sicilian Pizza, so good! A couple tips from a local, get there early if you are planning on eating or finding a seat. It can get crowded in the evening as they usually have live music. For faster service, order at the bar!